AEW Star Originally Rejected Controversial WWE Gimmick

WWE

AEW star Keith Lee has revealed that he initially turned down his WWE ‘bearcat’ gimmick when it was initially pitched to him.

In September 2021, Lee made his WWE return with a new ‘bearcat’ nickname. While some thought that it was an homage to Bearcat Wright, many criticised WWE for overcomplicating Lee’s character.

Speaking on The Masked Man Show, Lee revealed that he initially rejected the pitch, noting that he didn’t understand the appeal of a heavyweight wrestler who roars.

Admitting that he wasn’t a fan of the bearcat character idea offered to him, Lee said:

“Initially, I actually turned it down and didn’t want anything to do with it because I didn’t understand it.”

Lee ultimately didn’t have to wrestle as the bearcat for too long, with WWE releasing Lee that November.

The popular star recently made his AEW return, making his comeback on the February 17 edition of Rampage, showing off what appeared to be naturally white hair.

Lee has opened up about his current look, which you can read about right here.

Transcription via Wrestling Inc. 

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• AEW
• wwe
• keith lee
• Bearcat

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